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November happenings at the Pine River-Backus Family Center

Give to the Max Day: Last year, thousands of donors logged on to GiveMN.org and gave millions of dollars to Minnesota charities and nonprofits during the Give to the Max Day. By giving online with GiveMN, you have the opportunity to join forces and support the Pine River-Backus Family Center in strengthening families and building a strong community. We hope you will support our community by logging on to www.GiveMN.org on Nov. 14 and support the important work of the Pine River-Backus Family Center. You may also access the site through www.prbfamilycenter.org and click on the GiveMN button. Two donors, one a nonprofit and one school, will be randomly chosen every hour to have $1,000 added to their donation. Additionally, two $10,000 super-sized golden tickets will be randomly drawn at the end of the event. Your donation to the Pine River-Backus Family Center will make a huge impact in the work we do.

Radiothon to end Child Abuse: Auction items are needed by Nov. 8. Items must be a $50 value and money raised from auction items go directly to the Family Center and stay in this community. Call Karen for more information at 587-4292.

Christmas for Kids: We are looking for donations for our upcoming Christmas for Kids Program. If you would like to donate to this program, monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Family Center at P.O. Box 1, Pine River, MN 56474. Donation boxes will also be available at local businesses for families to donate toys. We greatly appreciate the communities support to make the upcoming holiday season a little brighter for families in our community. Christmas for Kids applications will be available at the Family Center on Nov. 5.

Pine River Area Food Shelf: Open every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the basement of the First Lutheran Church. Hidden Jewels Thrift Store: It’s almost winter time again and we are looking for donations of gloves, hats, winter coats, boots, and mittens. We have had some little ones with cold hands, feet, and little bodies coming in here. Please help! Check your closets to see if you have extra items to donate to Hidden Jewels today! Also, we are in need of volunteers that can donate a couple hours a week to help our non-profit thrift store continue to give back to our community. If this is of interest to you, contact Brenda Peterson at 587-4292.

The Family Center’s Home Visiting Program: Is this your first pregnancy? Do you have questions about how your pregnancy will go? Do you wish you had a little extra help with your questions around your pregnancy and about upcoming parenting issues you will encounter? If yes, you are in luck. The Family Center’s Home Visiting Program has immediate openings for first-time expectant mothers who would like additional support with their pregnancy and parenting their child through three years of age. Free prenatal gift bags are available to all women who are expecting a baby that live in the Pine River-Backus School District.

MAC/NAPS: Pick up is Nov. 12 from 2-4 p.m.

WIC: Will be here Nov. 6 and 7. Call Cass County at 547-1340 for an appointment.

Child & Teen Check-Up: Will be here Nov. 21 appointments are still available, call Karen at 587-4292 to get your appointment scheduled. Remember, immunizations can be done at Child and Teen Check-Up.

Family Planning: At the Family Center Nov. 5 call 877-275-6123 to schedule your appointment.

Family Center Closed: Monday, Nov. 11, in observation of Veterans Day and also on Nov. 28-29 in observation of Thanksgiving.

The mission of the Pine River-Backus Family Center is “Strengthening Families & Building a Stronger Community.” The Family Center is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 245 Barclay Ave, Pine River. For more information call 218-587-4292 or visit www.prbfamilycenter.org.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.